CVE-2025-52351 describes a security vulnerability in the Aikaan IoT management platform version v3.25.0325-5-g2e9c59796, where newly generated user passwords are transmitted insecurely during the onboarding process. Specifically, the platform sends the new password in plaintext via email and also embeds the same password as a query parameter within the account activation URL (e.g., https://domain.com/activate=xyz). This approach exposes the password to multiple attack vectors: it can be captured in email caches, intercepted by email servers or proxies, stored in browser histories, logged by intermediate proxies, and leaked through HTTP referrer headers if the activation link is clicked and the referrer is sent to third-party sites. The vulnerability compromises the confidentiality of user credentials at the critical initial stage of account setup, potentially allowing attackers to hijack accounts before users change their passwords. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the insecure transmission of passwords in URLs and emails is a well-understood risk that can be exploited by attackers with access to network traffic, email systems, or user devices. The lack of a CVSS score suggests this is a newly identified issue, but the technical details indicate a significant risk to user credential security in the affected platform.

For European organizations using the Aikaan IoT management platform, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of user credentials. IoT platforms often manage critical infrastructure, industrial controls, or sensitive operational data, so unauthorized access could lead to operational disruption, data breaches, or lateral movement within networks. Exposure of passwords during onboarding could allow attackers to gain persistent access to IoT devices or management consoles, potentially leading to sabotage, espionage, or service outages. Given the GDPR and other stringent data protection regulations in Europe, any compromise of user credentials and subsequent unauthorized access could also result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The impact is heightened in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, smart cities, and healthcare, where IoT devices are increasingly integrated and where security incidents can have safety implications.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately avoid sending passwords in plaintext via email or embedding them in URLs. Instead, implement secure onboarding workflows such as: 1) Using one-time tokens or activation codes that do not contain passwords and expire quickly. 2) Forcing users to set their own passwords through a secure HTTPS web form after verifying their email address. 3) Employing out-of-band verification methods rather than transmitting sensitive credentials directly. Additionally, organizations should audit email systems and proxy logs for any exposure of passwords and enforce strict access controls on these logs. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the IoT platform accounts can reduce the risk of account compromise even if passwords are exposed. Vendors should be urged to patch the platform to remove password transmission in URLs and emails and adopt secure password reset and activation mechanisms. Network-level protections such as TLS encryption for all communications and email security protocols (e.g., SPF, DKIM, DMARC) should be enforced to reduce interception risks.